We’ve all just finished celebrating Mother’s Day, and yet there’s still one more we need to appreciate and it’s our healthy vision. It has been said that eyes are windows to the soul, but they are also our windows to the world. We see and appreciate nature through our eyes and we must do what we can to ensure it is in excellent condition. Keep these checklists on hand to achieve these key steps to vision health.
For the Child
Eye health habits during childhood can have a huge effect on vision later in life. In fact, 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. Instill eye-healthy habits at an early age to help prevent common eye diseases and causes of vision loss.
- Take your child for a comprehensive eye exam is a key step in ensuring their vision health!
- Make sure to provide proper eye protection for sports and keep them fun for everyone!
- Don’t forget to read up on common signs of vision issues. Early diagnosis could save their sight!
- Be sure to grab some UV protective shades when you step outside this summer.
- We know, kids can be picky with their food. But it’s still important to commit to a healthy diet for the whole family! Check out our eye-healthy recipes for some ideas!
- Even if your kids aren’t frequent gamers, be sure to take steps that can help ease the stress of screen-time on eyes.
For the Adult
Many serious eye diseases have no symptoms and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. The good news is that 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable.
- A comprehensive eye exam is a crucial step in maintaining your vision health!
- It can be tough to limit computer, phone and TV time. But it’s important to take steps that can help ease the stress of screen-time on your eyes.
- Quitting smoking can be really challenging, but this step will have an incredible impact on your overall health. Give it a try!
- Exercise and diet can have a huge impact on your eye health. Don’t forget to make healthy living a priority! Check out our eye-healthy recipes for some ideas!
- Be sure to grab some UV protective shades when you step outside this summer.
- Make sure you’re protecting your eyes at work – Check out our Eye Safety workshops and help your workplace promote eye safety!
For the Senior
The majority of the most common causes of serious vision loss occur later in life, and our population is rapidly aging. In fact, in the next 25 years, the number of Canadians with blindness or partial sight is projected to double. The good news is that 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. Here’s how you can help the seniors in your life protect their eyes.
- I get an eye exam, every year. People age 65 and older should have an eye exam at least once a year.
- I manage my other health conditions. Many other health conditions (like diabetes and cardiovascular disease) can affect vision and eye health. Ask a doctor if your parents’ health issues could have complications.
- I know how to spot signs of vision loss. Read up on symptoms of vision loss and common eye diseases, like increased light sensitivity, difficulty distinguishing colours, more clumsiness, reduced night vision, and straight lines that appear wavy.
- I test my sight at home on a regular basis. In addition to regular eye exams, download the Amsler Grid at cnib.ca and post it on the fridge. This at-home test will help find early signs of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over 50.
- I protect my eyes from injuries at home. Eye hazards are everywhere – help your parents take precautions like pointing chemical spray nozzles away from the body, using grease shields on frying pans, picking up rocks and sticks before mowing the lawn and wearing protective glasses while working in the garden.
- I maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active, eating healthy, and not smoking can all help prevent vision loss and common eye conditions.
